The Monbazillac vineyards are strung out along the Dordogne River Valley. Despite having been virtually annihilated by Phylloxera a century ago and being viewed simply as an extension of Bordeaux, the wines are now rapidly beginning to acquire their own discrete identities. Monbazillac has a long history (known as early as the 14th century) and is now renowned for the stunning quality of its unctuous botrytised Sauternes-style wines, one of the world?s great sweet wines. The position of the vineyards on the north-facing slopes is particularly conducive to those autumnal mists which harbour the microscopic fungoid growth called botrytis cinerea. The Cuvee ?Jour de Fruit? (90% Semillon 10% Muscadlle picked on successive tries through the vineyard) with its spanking botrytis, is absolutely stunning. Gold colour, honeyed, fat with peachy botrytis tones, gingerbread, hazelnuts, fresh mint and a hint of eucalyptus. Christian Roche of Domaine l?Ancienne Cure has emerged in the last five years as one of the best growers in the appellation.

Peach Melba isn?t the easiest dessert to match with a wine. This Monbazillac will mirror and intensify the flavour of the juicy summer peaches and will make this dessert a decadent peach melba!